Detachable radio frequency identification switch tag

ABSTRACT

A radio frequency identification (RFID) switch tag is disclosed. This RFID switch tag includes a base component having an ultra-high frequency (UHF) booster, and a detachable component having at least one UHF RFID module and a high frequency (HF) RFID module. In some embodiments, the detachable component is positioned in close proximity to the base component in a first configuration of the RFID switch tag such that the at least one UHF RFID module is sufficiently coupled to the UHF booster in the base component to form an UHF RFID system having a desired performance. The detachable component can also be separated from the base component to obtain a second configuration of the RFID switch tag, and the HF RFID module remains functional within the detached detachable component so that the detachable component can be used as a standalone HF RFID tag.

RELATED APPLICATION INFORMATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.17/175,345 filed on Feb. 12, 2021, which is a continuation of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 16/677,656 filed on Nov. 7, 2019, now issuedU.S. Pat. No. 10,929,835, issued on Feb. 23, 2021, which in turn claimsthe benefit under 35 U. S. C. § 119 (e) to U.S. Provisional ApplicationNo. 62/757,018, filed Nov. 7, 2018, the disclosure of which isincorporated herein by reference in its entirety. This application is aContinuation-in-Part of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/847,673 filed onDec. 19, 2017, now issued U.S. Pat. No. 10,621,571, issued on Apr. 14,2020, which is a Continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/167,829filed on May 27, 2016, now issued U.S. Pat. No. 9,852,421 issued on Dec.26, 2017, which is a Continuation of Ser. No. 14/459,299, filed on Aug.13, 2014, now Issued U.S. Pat. No. 9,355,398, issued on May 31, 2016,which claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application No. 61/865,600, filed Aug. 13, 2013, which isincorporated herein by reference in its entirety as if set forth infull.

BACKGROUND 1. Technical Field

The various embodiments described herein generally relate to radiofrequency identification (RFID) systems and more particularly to an RFIDswitch tag that can be used for multiple applications.

2. Related Art

RFID technology harnesses electromagnetic fields to transfer datawirelessly. One of the primary uses for RFID technology is the automaticidentification and tracking of objects via RFID tags, which may beattached or incorporated into a variety of objects. Examples includecredit cards, passports, license plates, identity cards,cellphones/mobile devices, etc. RFID technology also has applications innumerous areas, including, but not limited to, electronic tolling,parking access, border control, payment processing, asset management,and transportation. Thus, for example, a license plate that includes anRFID tag may be used for the purposes of electronic toll collection(ETC), electronic vehicle registration (EVR), border crossing etc.

Different RFID applications may require different operation frequencies.For example, ultra high frequency (UHF) readers and transponder tags(e.g., operating at 915 megahertz (MHz) or 2.45 gigahertz (GHz)) providegreater read distances and faster data transfer rates, and are thuscommonly deployed in ETC systems. In contrast, contactless paymentsystems may be implemented using high frequency (HF) or near fieldcommunication (NFC) readers and transponders (e.g., operating at 13.56MHz), which tend to exhibit greater field penetration than UHF systems.However, the construction of a conventional RFID tag has limitedflexibility to support operation in multiple frequencies.

SUMMARY

Embodiments described herein provide various designs of a radiofrequency identification (RFID) tag which includes a base component anda detachable component so that the RFID tag can be configured inmultiple configurations to support operations in multiple frequencies.

According to an aspect, a radio frequency identification (RFID) switchtag is disclosed. This RFID switch tag includes a base component havingan ultra-high frequency (UHF) booster, such as an UHF booster antenna,and a detachable component having at least one UHF RFID module and ahigh frequency (HF) RFID module, such as a near-field communication(NFC) tag.

According to another aspect, the detachable component is positioned inclose proximity to the base component in a first configuration of theRFID switch tag such that the at least one UHF RFID module issufficiently coupled to the UHF booster in the base component to form anUHF RFID system having a desired performance, such as a desiredoperating range of the UHF RFID system. In some embodiments, thedetachable component is separated from the base component to obtain asecond configuration of the RFID switch tag, and the HF RFID moduleremains functional within the detached detachable component so that thedetachable component can be used as a standalone HF RFID tag. Moreover,in the second configuration, the at least one UHF RFID module isdecoupled from the UHF booster in the base component to render the atleast one UHF RFID module nonfunctional.

According to still another aspect, the detachable component can bedetached from the base component to obtain a second configuration of theRFID switch tag such that the HF RFID module remains functional withinthe detached detachable component. The HF RFID module can be used as anear-field communication (NFC) tag in a second RFID application whichrequires an NFC operating range.

According to still another aspect, the RFID switch tag can be placedwithin a vehicle to serve as an RFID tag in an electronic tollcollection (ETC) application.

According to still another aspect, the first RFID application is a firstETC application for high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes and the secondRFID application is a second ETC application for single occupancyvehicle (SOV) lanes.

Other features and advantages of the present inventive concept should beapparent from the following description which illustrates by way ofexample aspects of the present inventive concept.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The embodiments described herein will be understood from a review of thefollowing detailed description and the accompanying drawings in whichlike reference numerals refer to like parts and in which:

FIG. 1 shows a diagram illustrating an exemplary RFID system inaccordance with one embodiment described herein.

FIG. 2 shows a top-view illustration of an exemplary RFID switch tag inan attached configuration in accordance with one embodiment describedherein.

FIG. 3 shows a top-view illustration of an exemplary detachablecomponent in the form of a dual-frequency RFID module in accordance withsome embodiments described herein.

FIG. 4 shows a top-view illustration of RFID switch tag in a detachedconfiguration in accordance with one embodiment described herein.

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a RFID system in accordance withanother embodiment described herein.

FIGS. 6A-D show the components of the embodiment shown in FIG. 5 .

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While certain embodiments are described, these embodiments are presentedby way of example only, and are not intended to limit the scope ofprotection. The methods and systems described herein may be embodied ina variety of other forms. Furthermore, various omissions, substitutions,and changes in the form of the example methods and systems describedherein may be made without departing from the scope of protection.

Embodiments described herein provide various designs of a radiofrequency identification (RFID) tag which includes at least one basecomponent and a detachable component such that the RFID tag can beconfigured in multiple configurations to support operations in multiplefrequencies. In one aspect, a radio frequency identification (RFID)switch tag is disclosed. This RFID switch tag includes a base componenthaving an ultra-high frequency (UHF) booster, such as an UHF boosterantenna, and a detachable component having at least one UHF RFID moduleand a high frequency (HF) RFID module, such as a near-fieldcommunication (NFC) tag. In some embodiments, the detachable componentis positioned in close proximity to the base component in a firstconfiguration of the RFID switch tag such that the at least one UHF RFIDmodule is sufficiently coupled to the UHF booster in the base componentto form an UHF RFID system having a desired performance, such as adesired operating range of the UHF RFID system. In some embodiments, thedetachable component is separated from the base component to obtain asecond configuration of the RFID switch tag in which the HF RFID moduleremains functional within the detached detachable component so that thedetachable component can be used as a standalone HF RFID tag. Moreover,in the second configuration, the at least one UHF RFID module isdecoupled from the UHF booster in the base component to render the atleast one UHF RFID module nonfunctional.

According to other embodiments, a technique for using an RFID switch tagthat includes a base component and a detachable component is disclosed,wherein the base component further includes an ultra-high frequency(UHF) booster and the detachable component further includes at least oneUHF RFID module and a high frequency (HF) RFID module. This techniquecan include positioning the detachable component in close proximity tothe base component in a first configuration of the RFID switch tag suchthat the at least one UHF RFID module in the detachable component issufficiently coupled to the UHF booster in the base component to form anUHF RFID tag having a desired operating range longer than an operatingrange of the at least one UHF RFID module. The technique furtherincludes using the UHF RFID tag in a first RFID application, whichrequires the desired operating range. In some embodiments, the techniquealso includes detaching the detachable component from the base componentto obtain a second configuration of the RFID switch tag such that the HFRFID module remains functional within the detached detachable component.The technique additionally includes using the HF RFID module as anear-field communication (NFC) tag in a second RFID application whichrequires an NFC operating range.

FIG. 1 shows a diagram illustrating an exemplary RFID system 100 inaccordance with one embodiment described herein. In system 100, RFIDinterrogator 102 communicates with one or more RFID tags 110. Data canbe exchanged between interrogator 102 and RFID tag 110 via radiotransmit signal 108 and radio receive signal 112. RFID interrogator 102comprises RF transceiver 104, which contains transmitter and receiverelectronics, and antenna 106, which are configured to generate andreceive radio transit signal 108 and radio receive signal 112,respectively. Exchange of data can be accomplished via electromagneticor electrostatic coupling in the RF spectrum in combination with variousmodulation and encoding schemes.

RFID tag 110 is a transponder that can be attached to an object ofinterest and act as an information storage mechanism. In manyapplications, the use of passive RFID tags is desirable, because theyhave a virtually unlimited operational lifetime and can be smaller,lighter, and cheaper than active RFID tags that contain an internalpower source, e.g. battery. Passive RFID tags power themselves byrectifying the RF signal emitted by the RF scanner. Consequently, therange of transmit signal 108 determines the operational range of RFIDtag 110.

RF transceiver 104 transmits RF signals to RFID tag 110, and receives RFsignals from RFID tag 110, via antenna 106. The data in transmit signal108 and receive signal 112 can be contained in one or more bits for thepurpose of providing identification and other information relevant tothe particular RFID tag application. When RFID tag 110 passes within therange of the radio frequency magnetic field emitted by antenna 106, RFIDtag 110 is excited and transmits data back to RF interrogator 102. Achange in the impedance of RFID tag 110 can be used to signal the datato RF interrogator 102 via receive signal 112. The impedance change inRFID tag 110 can be caused by producing a short circuit across the tag'santenna connections (not shown) in bursts of very short duration. RFtransceiver 104 senses the impedance change as a change in the level ofreflected or backscattered energy arriving at antenna 106.

Digital electronics 114, which can comprise a microprocessor with RAM,performs decoding and reading of receive signal 112. Similarly, digitalelectronics 114 performs the coding of transmit signal 108. Thus, RFinterrogator 102 facilitates the reading or writing of data to RFIDtags, e.g. RFID tag 110 that are within range of the RF field emitted byantenna 104. Together, RF transceiver 104 and digital electronics 114comprise reader 102. Finally, digital electronics 114 and can beinterfaced with an integral display and/or provide a parallel or serialcommunications interface to a host computer or industrial controller,e.g. host computer 116.

FIG. 2 shows a top-view illustration of an exemplary RFID switch tag 200in an attached configuration in accordance with one embodiment describedherein. In some embodiments, RFID switch tag 200 is used to implementRFID tag 110 in RFID system 100 shown in FIG. 1 . As illustrated in FIG.2 , RFID switch tag 200 includes a base component 210 and a detachablecomponent 220. In some embodiments, base component 210 includes an UHFbooster 230, such as a booster antenna. Note that UHF booster 230 caninclude a passive booster, an active booster, or a battery-assistedpassive booster. The detachable component 220 can include at least oneUHF RFID module and an HF RFID module or tag. In particular embodiments,the at least one HF RFID module included in detachable component 220 isa near field communication (NFC) module. In some embodiments, the UHFRFID module and the HF RFID module share a common integrated circuit(IC) chip. In these embodiments, detachable component 220 essentiallyacts as a dual-frequency RFID tag.

The reference to a HF or UHF tag is intended to indicate that the HF orUHF module included in detachable component 220 comprise all thecomponents necessary to perform the functions of a RFID tag, such asdescribed with respect to tag 110 in FIG. 1 . As noted, in certainembodiments, the modules can share components such as the IC, orportions of the IC and potentially the antenna. Although, sharing of theantenna or any components can depend on the frequency of operation, therequired matching impendence, the protocols being used, etc.

Although the embodiment of FIG. 2 shows that detachable component 220 ispositioned substantially in the middle of base component 210, otherembodiments can have detachable component 220 placed in a non-centeredposition relative to base component 210. When placed near the basecomponent 210, the UHF module can be configured such that it willinductively couple with the UHF booster antenna 230 in the basecomponent 210.

In one exemplary embodiment, the at least one UHF RFID module includedin detachable component 220 is coupled with UHF booster antenna 230included in base component 210 to form an UHF RFID system of desiredperformances. For example, the desired performances include a desiredoperating range for the UHF RFID system. In one embodiment, an UHFcoupling antenna within the at least one UHF RFID module in detachablecomponent 220 is positioned in a manner to ensure a sufficient amount ofcoupling, such as an inductive coupling, a capacitive coupling, or both,between the UHF coupling antenna in detachable component 220 and UHFbooster antenna 230 in base component 210. The at least one UHF RFIDmodule and the HF RFID tag, such as an NFC tag included in thedetachable component 220 can be active, passive, or battery-assistedpassive without departing from the scope of the inventive concept ofthis disclosure.

Although detachable component 220 is shown to have an oval shape, otherembodiments of detachable component 220 can have other shapes, such as acircular shape, a rectangular shape, a triangular shape withoutdeparting from the scope of the inventive concept of this disclosure.Furthermore, if detachable component 220 has a rectangular shape, therectangular shape can have either right-angled corners orrounded-corners. When detachable component 220 has a rectangular shapeand rounded-corners, detachable component 220 may have an appearance ofa card.

In RFID switch tag 200 shown in FIG. 2 , detachable component 220 may beattached to base component 210 in a number of ways. For example,detachable component 220 can be placed inside a pocket attached to basecomponent 210. In some embodiments, detachable component 220 can beplaced inside a cutout within base component 210 having a shape ofdetachable component 220 but configured with a slightly smaller profileto allow detachable component 220 to be securely held inside the cutout.[coupling]

According to one exemplary embodiment, RFID switch tag 200 can serve asa windshield tag. In this embodiment, base component 210 of RFID switchtag 200 can be attached to a vehicle's windshield using, for example,adhesives (e.g., adhesive strips). When RFID switch tag 200 is used as awindshield tag, RFID switch tag 200 can be used in various electronictoll collection (ETC) applications. For example, when RFID switch tag200 is placed on a windshield with both base component 210 anddetachable component 220, the at least one UHF module in detachablecomponent 220 is coupled with UHF booster antenna 230 in base component210 to form an UHF system having desired performances, such as a longoperating range; however, when detachable component 220 is separatedfrom base component 210 and the windshield, base component 210 canremain on the windshield but the at least one UHF module in detachablecomponent 220 is no longer coupled to UHF booster antenna 230 in basecomponent 210. As a result, neither the at least one UHF module indetachable component 220 nor UHF booster antenna 230 in base component210 can be able to achieve the intended functionality of an UHF system,i.e., the UHF module is disabled.

FIG. 3 shows a top-view illustration of an exemplary detachablecomponent 220 in the form of a dual-frequency RFID module 300 inaccordance with some embodiments described herein. As illustrated inFIG. 3 , multi-frequency RFID module 300 includes an UHF module 310 andan NFC tag 320. More specifically, UHF module 310 further includes anintegrated circuit (IC) chip 330 (or “chip 330” hereinafter) and an UHFloop 340, while NFC tag 320 further includes chip 330 and an HF antenna350. Hence, in the embodiment shown, UHF module 310 and NFC tag 320share chip 330. Chip 330 can include a memory (not shown) and othercircuits. Dual-frequency RFID module 300 can also include a substrate360 that provides structural supports for UHF module 310 and NFC tag320. In various embodiments, chip 330, UHF loop 340 and HF antenna 350can be deposited or fabricated on substrate 360.

In the embodiment of multi-frequency RFID module 300 illustrated in FIG.3 , UHF loop 340 is positioned substantially inside the loops of HFantenna 350. In some embodiments, HF antenna 350 is tuned to operate ata desired high frequency, such as 13.56 MHz. UHF loop 340 can also betuned to operate at a desired ultra high frequency, such as 915 MHz or2.45 GHz. In some embodiments, UHF loop 340 is used to couple chip 330to UHF booster antenna 230 in base component 210 to form a functionalUHF RFID tag. UHF loop 340 can be an UHF antenna by itself. Generally,UHF loop 340 can be implemented as any coupling means for coupling chip330 to UHF booster antenna 230 in base component 210.

In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 3 , HF antenna 350 isconfigured as a loop antenna that includes multiple circular loops.However, in other embodiments, HF antenna 350 can be constructed withnon-circular-shaped loops, such as rectangular loops without departingfrom the scope of the present inventive concept. Also in thisembodiment, UHF loop 340 is shown to include two circular loops;however, in other embodiments, UHF loop 340 can include a single loop ormore than two loops. While loops in UHF loop 340 is shown to becircular, UHF loop 340 can also be constructed with non-circular-shapedloops, such as rectangular loops without departing from the scope of thepresent inventive concept.

In some embodiments, chip 330 is configured to perform functionsassociated with both NFC and UHF systems including, but not limited to,encoding/decoding, modulation/demodulation, digital and analogprocessing, and data storage. Although multi-frequency RFID module 300uses a single IC chip 330 for both the UHF RFID module and the NFC tag,other implementations of detachable component 220 can use separate ICchips for the UHF RFID module and the NFC tag.

FIG. 4 shows a top-view illustration of RFID switch tag 200 in adetached configuration in accordance with one embodiment describedherein. Referring to FIGS. 2 and 4 , while FIG. 2 shows that detachablecomponent 220 is attached to base component 210, FIG. 4 shows thatdetachable component 220 can be separated and detached from basecomponent 210. Notably, detaching detachable component 220 from basecomponent 210 uncouples the at least one UHF RFID module in detachablecomponent 220 from UHF booster antenna 230 in base component 210. Assuch, when detachable component 220 is detached from base component 210,the performances of the at least one UHF RFID module may besignificantly affected. For example, detaching detachable component 220from base component 210 can render the at least one UHF RFID modulenonfunctional.

Notably, the HF RFID tag such as an NFC tag within detachable component220 can remain functional when detachable component 220 is separatedfrom base component 210. As such, detached detachable component 220 canbe used exclusively as an HF RFID tag, such as an NFC tag (e.g., formaking contactless payments). When used as an NFC tag, detachablecomponent 220 can be configured with a shape and dimensions (includingwidth, height, and thickness) so that it is sufficiently durable and canbe conveniently placed inside a wallet, a purse, or a protective coverof a portable electronic device, such as a smartphone, a tablet, or aniPad™. The dimensions of detachable component 220 can be significantlygreater than a typical RFID tag. In some embodiments, a rectangularshape having a size and a thickness that resembles a credit card ispreferred. When detached from base component 210, detachable component220 can be used in a “tap and go” manner in various NFC applicationswithout being taken out of a wallet, a purse, or a protective cover of aportable electronic device where detachable component 220 is stored andcarried around. In various embodiments, detachable component 220 isconfigured as a laminated card so that it is sufficiently durablethrough extensive uses as a standalone card. In some embodiments,detachable component 220 is configured with a hard case to provideadditional durability and protection.

In some embodiments, RFID switch tag 200 is used in various ETCapplications. For example, the at least one UHF RFID module in RFIDswitch tag 200 can be configured to be used in high occupancy vehicle(HOV) lanes, while the HF RFID tag in RFID switch tag 200 can beconfigured to be used in single occupancy vehicle (SOV) lanes. Hence, byswitching detaching detachable component 220 between the detachedconfiguration of RFID switch tag 200 and the attached configuration ofRFID switch tag 200, RFID switch tag 200 permits a driver to switchbetween HOV operations and SOV operations using a single RFID switch tag200. In such embodiments, the tag 200 can include a switching mechanismthat allows the user to switch between the UHF and HF tags as required.U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/160,982, entitled “Multi-FrequencyRadio Frequency Identification Tag,” filed May 20, 2016, which in turnclaims priority to U.S. provisional Patent Application No. 62/165,167,also entitled “Multi-Frequency Radio Frequency Identification Tag,”filed May 21, 2015; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/818,257,entitled “Methods and Apparatus for Preserving Privacy in an RFIDSystem,” filed Aug. 4, 2015, which in turn claims priority to U.S.patent application Ser. No. 14/229,786, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,098,790,entitled “Methods and Apparatus for Preserving Privacy in an RFIDSystem,” filed Mar. 28, 2014, which in turn claims priority to U.S.patent application Ser. No. 13/736,819, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,710,960,entitled “Methods and Apparatus for Preserving Privacy in an RFIDSystem,” filed Jan. 8, 2013, which in turn claims priority to U.S.patent application Ser. No. 12/364,158, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,350,673,entitled “Methods and Apparatus for Preserving Privacy in an RFIDSystem,” filed Feb. 2, 2009, which in turn claims priority to U.S.provisional Patent Application No. 61/025,000, also entitled “Method andApparatus for Preserving Privacy in RFID Systems,” filed Jan. 31, 2008;U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/480,458, entitled “RFID Switch Tag,”filed Sep. 8, 2014, which in turn claims priority to U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/465,829, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,844,831, entitled“RFID Switch Tag,” filed May 7, 2012, which in turn claims priority toU.S. provisional Patent Application Nos. 61/487,372, filed May 18, 2011and 61/483,586, filed May 6, 2011, both entitled “RFID Switch Tag;” U.S.patent application Ser. No. 14/578,196, entitled “RFID Switch Tag,”filed Dec. 19, 2014, which in turn claims priority to U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/060,407, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,944,337, entitled“RFID Switch Tag,” filed Oct. 22, 2013, which in turn claims priority toU.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/465,834, now U.S. Pat. No.8,561,911, entitled “RFID Switch Tag,” filed May 7, 2012, which in turnclaims priority to U.S. provisional Patent Application Nos. 61/487,372,filed May 18, 2011 and 61/483,586, filed May 6, 2011, both entitled“RFID Switch Tag,” all of which are incorporated herein by reference asif set forth in full; disclose various embodiments of tags that allowswitching between modules incorporated within a switchable and/ormulti-frequency tag. Any of these mechanisms can be used in accordancewith switch tag 200.

According to one exemplary embodiment, RFID switch tag 200 can be usedin one or more account management applications. For example, RFID switchtag 200 can be used to track a vehicle for purposes of electronictolling, parking access, and border control. At least some applicationsfor the RFID switch tag 200 are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,844,831and 8,944,337, and U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 14/480,458 and14/578,196, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein byreference in their entirety.

In some embodiments, access to the memory on the at least one UHF moduleand the NFC tag included in the detachable component 220 can be grantedbased on a security key. The provision of secure identificationsolutions is described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,081,819, 7,671,746,8,237,568, 8,322,044, and 8,004,410, the disclosures of which areincorporated by reference herein in their respective entirety.

Multi-frequency RFID tags such as the RFID switch tag 200 are alsodescribed in Reissued U.S. Pat. Nos. RE 43,355 and RE 44,691, thedisclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein in theirrespective entirety.

Parent application Ser. No. 15/160,982, discloses a module that issimilar to 300 that can itself be interfaced with a booster antenna andremoved therefrom in order to interface with a booster antenna inanother substrate, such as in a card. Here, the module 220 can beincluded in a card or other substrate as described, which itself can beinterfaced with the booster antenna 230. This allows the inclusion of aswitching mechanism as described above, which can allow the user toswitch between, e.g., the HF and UHF modules in order to enable variousfunctionality or applications. The switching can occur when the module220 is interface with substrate 210, or when it is removed therefrom.Again U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/160,982, entitled“Multi-Frequency Radio Frequency Identification Tag,” filed May 20,2016, which in turn claims priority to U.S. provisional PatentApplication No. 62/165,167, also entitled “Multi-Frequency RadioFrequency Identification Tag,” filed May 21, 2015; U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/818,257, entitled “Methods and Apparatus forPreserving Privacy in an RFID System,” filed Aug. 4, 2015, which in turnclaims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/229,786, now U.S.Pat. No. 9,098,790, entitled “Methods and Apparatus for PreservingPrivacy in an RFID System,” filed Mar. 28, 2014, which in turn claimspriority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/736,819, now U.S. Pat.No. 8,710,960, entitled “Methods and Apparatus for Preserving Privacy inan RFID System,” filed Jan. 8, 2013, which in turn claims priority toU.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/364,158, now U.S. Pat. No.8,350,673, entitled “Methods and Apparatus for Preserving Privacy in anRFID System,” filed Feb. 2, 2009, which in turn claims priority to U.S.provisional Patent Application No. 61/025,000, also entitled “Method andApparatus for Preserving Privacy in RFID Systems,” filed Jan. 31, 2008;U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/480,458, entitled “RFID Switch Tag,”filed Sep. 8, 2014, which in turn claims priority to U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/465,829, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,844,831, entitled“RFID Switch Tag,” filed May 7, 2012, which in turn claims priority toU.S. provisional Patent Application Nos. 61/487,372, filed May 18, 2011and 61/483,586, filed May 6, 2011, both entitled “RFID Switch Tag;” U.S.patent application Ser. No. 14/578,196, entitled “RFID Switch Tag,”filed Dec. 19, 2014, which in turn claims priority to U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/060,407, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,944,337, entitled“RFID Switch Tag,” filed Oct. 22, 2013, which in turn claims priority toU.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/465,834, now U.S. Pat. No.8,561,911, entitled “RFID Switch Tag,” filed May 7, 2012, which in turnclaims priority to U.S. provisional Patent Application Nos. 61/487,372,filed May 18, 2011 and 61/483,586, filed May 6, 2011, both entitled“RFID Switch Tag,” disclose various switching mechanism and methods forswitching a module such as module 220.

Some applications can require a placement of metallic material (e.g.,retro-reflective material, holographic image) over the RFID switch tag200. In order to preserve the transmission and reception capabilities ofthe RFID switch tag 200, a selective de-metallization process may beemployed to treat the metallic material. Selective de-metallization isdescribed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,034,688 and 7,463,154, the disclosures ofwhich are incorporated by reference herein in their respective entirety.

In certain embodiments, the NFC, or HF tag or portion of the detachablecomponent 220 can actually take the form of a card for use in an, e.g.,NFC application. For example, the card could be a transit card used toaccess public transit. The card can be modified as described herein,however, to include at least one UHF module or component that can becoupled to a booster antenna when the, e.g., transit card is insertedinto a base unit. This is illustrated in FIG. 5 , which shows a baseunit 502 with slot 504 configured to receive card 506. As will bedescribed with respect to FIG. 6 , base unit 502 can also comprise abooster antenna that can couple with a UHF module included in card 506.In this manner, when card 506 is inserted in slot 504, a UHF “tag” isformed that can, e.g., function within a tolling environment.

In certain embodiments, card 506 can include multiple UHF module for,e.g., various tolling settings or applications as described above. Inthis case, a switch 508 can be included in order to allow the boosterantenna to interface with the appropriate UHF module. When switch 508 isslid from one setting to another, the booster antenna is moved so thatit will couple with the appropriate module.

FIGS. 6A-6D illustrates the components of the system illustrated in FIG.5 . First, a UHF module 602 is illustrated in FIG. 6A. As can be seen,module 602 includes a chip 604 and leads 606. In this embodiment, leads606 do not act as an antenna. This is to avoid coupling with the HFantenna 612, which is in close proximity with the UHF module 602included with in the same substrate 608.

FIG. 6B illustrates the HF subsystem within card 502. As noted, card 502will include a substrate 608 onto, or into which an HF antenna 612 hasbeen formed. Antenna 612 is then coupled with a HF chip 610. Modules 602can then be placed on substrate 608 as illustrated in FIG. 6C. In theexample of FIG. 6B, the modules 602 a-c are placed in the center of thesubstrate and substantially in the center of the loops that form antenna612.

As illustrated in FIG. 6D, Antenna portions 614 and 616 can then beincluded within base unit 502. When card 506 is inserted in slot 504,antenna portions 614 and 616 can couple, e.g., inductively with a module602. If there are multiple modules, then antenna portions 614 and 616can be connected with switch 508, such that when switch 508 is slid backand forth between the various positions, the antenna will couple withthe appropriate module 602 a-c.

It will be understood that other forms of switching mechanisms can beincluded in base unit 502. The term “switching mechanism” means a devicethat can move the booster antenna between discrete positions so that itis interfaced with the appropriate module.

It will also be understood that different constructions for the boosterantenna can be used depending on the requirements of a specificimplementation. Moreover, in certain implementations, the switchingmechanism can cause modules 602 to move relative to the position of thebooster antenna.

Thus, the user can insert the card 502 in order to access their tollingaccount and to interface with toll systems. The user can then remove thecard and use it to interface with other systems such as transit systems.The user can then maintain their toll and transit accounts to ensureadequate funds are available. In other embodiments, card 502 can simplybe a credit or debit card.

The example apparatuses, methods, and systems disclosed herein can beapplied wireless communication devices incorporating HF and/or UHF RFIDreader capabilities. The various components illustrated in the figuresmay be implemented as, for example, but not limited to, software and/orfirmware on a processor, ASIC/FPGA/DSP, or dedicated hardware. Also, thefeatures and attributes of the specific example embodiments disclosedabove may be combined in different ways to form additional embodiments,all of which fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

The foregoing method descriptions and the process flow diagrams areprovided merely as illustrative examples and are not intended to requireor imply that the steps of the various embodiments must be performed inthe order presented. As will be appreciated by one of skill in the artthe order of steps in the foregoing embodiments may be performed in anyorder. Words such as “thereafter,” “then,” “next,” etc. are not intendedto limit the order of the steps; these words are simply used to guidethe reader through the description of the methods. Further, anyreference to claim elements in the singular, for example, using thearticles “a,” “an” or “the” is not to be construed as limiting theelement to the singular.

The various illustrative logical blocks, modules, circuits, andalgorithm steps described in connection with the embodiments disclosedherein can be implemented as electronic hardware, computer software, orcombinations of both. To clearly illustrate this interchangeability ofhardware and software, various illustrative components, blocks, modules,circuits, and steps have been described above generally in terms oftheir functionality. Whether such functionality is implemented ashardware or software depends upon the particular application and designconstraints imposed on the overall system. Skilled artisans mayimplement the described functionality in varying ways for eachparticular application, but such implementation decisions should not beinterpreted as causing a departure from the scope of the presentinvention.

The hardware used to implement the various illustrative logics, logicalblocks, modules, and circuits described in connection with the aspectsdisclosed herein may be implemented or performed with a general purposeprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specificintegrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA) orother programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic,discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed toperform the functions described herein. A general-purpose processor maybe a microprocessor, but, in the alternative, the processor may be anyconventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. Aprocessor may also be implemented as a combination of receiver devices,e.g., a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality ofmicroprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSPcore, or any other such configuration. Alternatively, some steps ormethods may be performed by circuitry that is specific to a givenfunction.

In one or more exemplary aspects, the functions described can beimplemented in hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof.If implemented in software, the functions may be stored as one or moreinstructions or code on a non-transitory computer-readable storagemedium or non-transitory processor-readable storage medium. The steps ofa method or algorithm disclosed herein may be embodied inprocessor-executable instructions that may reside on a non-transitorycomputer-readable or processor-readable storage medium. Non-transitorycomputer-readable or processor-readable storage media may be any storagemedia that may be accessed by a computer or a processor. By way ofexample but not limitation, such non-transitory computer-readable orprocessor-readable storage media may include RAM, ROM, EEPROM, FLASHmemory, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage orother magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that may be used tostore desired program code in the form of instructions or datastructures and that may be accessed by a computer. Disk and disc, asused herein, includes compact disc (CD), laser disc, optical disc,digital versatile disc (DVD), floppy disk, and Blu-ray disc where disksusually reproduce data magnetically, while discs reproduce dataoptically with lasers. Combinations of the above are also includedwithin the scope of non-transitory computer-readable andprocessor-readable media. Additionally, the operations of a method oralgorithm may reside as one or any combination or set of codes and/orinstructions on a non-transitory processor-readable storage mediumand/or computer-readable storage medium, which may be incorporated intoa computer program product.

Although the present disclosure provides certain example embodiments andapplications, other embodiments that are apparent to those of ordinaryskill in the art, including embodiments which do not provide all of thefeatures and advantages set forth herein, are also within the scope ofthis disclosure.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for managing an account, comprising: amulti-frequency radio frequency identification (RFID) tag comprising: adetachable component comprising at least one first RFID moduleconfigured to operate in a first frequency band and a second RFID moduleconfigured to operate in a second frequency band; and a base componentconfigured to receive the detachable component, the base componentcomprising a booster and configured to switch operation of themulti-frequency RFID tag between the at least one first RFID module andthe second RFID module based on receiving the detachable component,wherein in response to receiving a request from a first devicecomprising a first RFID reader operating in the first frequency band,the multi-frequency RFID tag is configured to transmit informationstored on the multi-frequency RFID tag for accessing the account andmodifying the account, and in response to receiving a request from asecond device comprising a second RFID reader operating in the secondfrequency band, transmit information stored on the multifrequency RFIDtag for performing an action related to the account, and wherein thebooster comprises a plurality of antenna portions and the at least onefirst RFID module comprises a plurality of leads and a chip, wherein theplurality of leads are configured to selectively couple with theplurality of antenna portions when the detachable component is coupledto the base component.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the detachablecomponent is removably coupled to the base component.
 3. The system ofclaim 2, wherein the at least one first RFID module is configured toelectrically couple with the booster when the detachable component isreceived by the base component.
 4. The system of claim 3, wherein thesecond module is configured to communicate with the second RFID readerwhen the detachable component is not coupled to the base component andthe at least one first module is configured to communicate with thefirst RFID reader when the detachable component is coupled to the basecomponent.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one first RFIDmodule comprises a plurality of first RFID modules, wherein the basecomponent comprises a switching mechanism configured to switch which ofthe plurality of first RFID modules is electrically coupled to thebooster by changing a position of the booster relative to the pluralityof first RFID modules.
 6. The system of claim 5, wherein a first RFIDmodule of the plurality of first RFID modules is active whenelectrically coupled to the booster and the remaining first RFID modulesof the plurality of first RFID modules are inactive.
 7. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the second frequency band comprises a high frequency(HF) band, and the first frequency band comprises an ultra-highfrequency (UHF) band.
 8. The system of claim 1, wherein the first deviceis configured to access the account at a remote server based at least inpart on the information read from the multi-frequency RFID tag by thefirst device.
 9. The system of claim 1, wherein modifying the accountcomprises at least one of modifying a balance associated with theaccount, retrieving at least a portion of account information,displaying at least a portion of the account information, making apayment to recharge the balance associated with the account, causing anupdate to corresponding account information stored at the remote server.10. The system of claim 1, wherein modifying the account comprisesmaking a payment to recharge a balance associated with the account usinga virtual wallet.
 11. The system of claim 1, wherein the accountcomprises a prepaid toll account.
 12. The system of claim 11, wherein atleast one of the first device and the second device is associated withan Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) system.
 13. The system of claim 1,wherein the action associated with the account performed by the seconddevice comprises one or more of debiting from a balance associated withthe account and applying a charge to the account.
 14. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the base component of the multi-frequency RFID tagcomprises a license plate.